Polaris donates vehicles to Oklahoma tornado relief efforts

Publish Date:

May 28, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Polaris is donating 10 military off-road vehicles to the Salvation Army to assist in relief efforts after last week’s tornado in central Oklahoma.

The military units feature a combination of Run-Flat and Non-Pneumatic Tires (NPT) to enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to transport food, water and other critical supplies to survivors in Moore, Okla.

Bay and Bay Transport and Overbye Trucking have donated their resources to deliver the units to Oklahoma from Polaris’ plant in Osceola, Wis.

“With debris on the ground from thousands of destroyed homes, these vehicles will allow us to serve in places our mobile kitchens cannot,” said Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division Commander. “We thank Polaris for this incredible gift. These vehicles will allow us to serve more people in crisis.”

The donated units, a combination of military ATV, Ranger and RZR vehicles, are outfitted with either Run Flat tires or NPTs to prevent downtime. Run-Flat tires resist the effects of deflation when punctured, giving the operator the ability to continue to use the vehicle; and NPTs are built to never go flat and are virtually indestructible.

“Oklahoma will rebound from this terrible tragedy, through the resiliency of its people and the assistance of organizations like The Salvation Army,” said Scott Wine, Polaris’ chief executive officer. “Polaris has long supported their charitable efforts, and we hope the donation of these vehicles will assist them as they provide the affected communities with the relief they desperately need.”

To date, The Salvation Army has served more than 17,000 meals and snacks to tornado survivors and relief workers across Oklahoma, with pastoral care provided to about 800 people, according to Polaris. The Salvation Army is now preparing to offer long-term case management, which includes things like financial assistance, stress management classes and replacement furniture.